Now that I spend much of my day doing chores in and around the garden on our farm, I’ve been seeking a new style icon: a woman whose personal take on dressing for the outdoors can take me away from the pure practicality of wearing just corduroys, a wool sweater and wellies. Not that there’s anything wrong with that look, but sometimes I just want to feel a bit more inspired.
When I first came across a photo of novelist, poet, and gardener Vita Sackville-West, I was at first mostly attracted to her fantastic canvas and leather lace-up boots. Why doesn’t anyone make those anymore???? But as I dug a little deeper, I found inspiration in not just her English countrywoman-meets-swashbuckler clothes, but also her legendary house Sissinghurst Castle, her chic all-white garden and her iconic book covers. I even love the style she has inspired in others – like her granddaughter’s hand-painted 18th birthday party invite and a collection of white flowers assembled by a fellow blogger. VSW had style for miles.
I have a similar pair of boots, only shorter by Russell Moccasins. They take custom orders, so it’s very likely they’d do a tall pair.
I’ll check them out. Thanks, Kathy. xx
I love your posts so much! I hardly have the time for blogs any more, but I am always so happy to see that you’ve posted. This profile is wonderful. I’ve always wished that in addition to old style breeches, someone would take a cue from the great women aviators like Beryl Markham, Pancho Barnes or Amy Johnson, etc. Maybe because they were such trailblazers and they wore their aviator uniform so well. Their more casual uniforms always looks great for mucking about, and they all seemed to have that same devil-may-care, but somehow beautifully edited style in their day to day lives as well. Never fussy, always elegant, with a touch of tomboy/adventurer.
she was such an inspiring lady. lovely post -I have a beloved old jacket of navy velvet that i never wear anymore as it is past its best but i cannot bear to throw it out …….never thought to wear in the garden, Love that idea ! Thank you
An absolutely fascinating woman! Lovely photos and yes, she defiantely had style for miles.
This profile is amazing – thank you!
I’ve visited Sissinghurst twice in the past 2 years and burst into tears both times due to the sheer beauty of it! The Sissinghurst Castle Farmhouse is a lovely place to stay on the edge of the grounds. And don’t forget to visit Charleston and Monk’s House (Virginia Woolf’s home), both with lovely gardens, about an hour away. Do let us know if you discover where to get those jodhpurs. I think her boots were made by Horace Batten Bootmakers?